What will happen if I don't pay my fine?

If you don't pay your fine, the matter will then be listed for an enforcement hearing before a magistrate. The magistrate may order that a warrant to seize property be issued.

Infringement Notices

A fine is imposed when an infringement notice is issued. Infringement notices are issued by a number of agencies including the Department of Transport and Victoria Police.

How do I pay my infringement notice fine?

If you want to pay your fine before the due date on the infringement notice you should follow the payment instructions on the notice. Payment should be made to Civic Compliance Victoria.

If you do not pay your fine by the due date, the matter will then be referred to the Children's Court.

Up until the matter being registered with the court, the court is unable to accept payment. There will be a short period between the matter being transferred from Civic Compliance Victoria and being registered with the court when payment cannot be made.

Once the matter has been registered with the court, you will be sent a "Notice of Court Case (CAYPINS)". Payment can then be made to the court.

You can pay your fine by:

sending a cheque or money order to the address recorded on the Notice of Court Case (CAYPINS); or

You can also contact the court (see contact details on your Notice of Court Case (CAYPINS)) to arrange to pay the fine by instalments.

If you pay the pay the fine completely or commence an instalment plan to pay the full amount, you do not need to attend the court hearing. The matter is finalised.

What if I don't pay before the court date on the Notice of Court Case (CAYPINS)

If you haven't paid your fine completely or arranged a payment plan with the court, you can attend the court hearing on the date provided in the Notice of Court Case (CAYPINS).

What will happen on my court date?

When you arrive at court, you should go to the counter and advise the staff that you have a CAYPINS hearing. The CAYPINS registrar will talk to you about your options. If you wish to go ahead with the hearing, the registrar will ask you to complete a form that relates to your financial and personal circumstances. The registrar will then have a discussion with you about the information provided on the form. The registrar has the power to decide what should happen with your fine. They may confirm the full amount, reduce the fine or set up a payment plan.

What if I can't make it to court?

It is in your best interests to attend court. However, if you are unable to attend on the allocated date but you do wish to appear, you can contact the CAYPINS Unit at Melbourne Children's Court (Tel: (03) 8638 3300) to request that the matter be adjourned to another date. The CAYPINS Unit can arrange adjournments at all courts statewide.

If you do not attend the hearing and you did not arrange for your hearing to be adjourned, an order will be made in your absence. A letter will be sent to you notifying you of the order that was made.

What will happen if I don't pay my fine?

If you don't pay your fine, the matter will then be listed for an enforcement hearing before a magistrate. The magistrate may order that a warrant to seize property be issued.